OUAGADOUGOU — Burkina Faso's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, commended the new United States Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Joann Lockard, for her commitment to a respectful and attentive diplomatic approach. This approach aims to enhance the bilateral relationship between the two nations by focusing on Burkina Faso’s sovereign needs and expectations.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the respect for Burkina Faso's sovereignty and understanding of its specific needs are key elements that the country desires from all its international partners. He expressed satisfaction with Ambassador Lockard's intention to prioritize listening to Burkina Faso's expectations as a foundation for strengthening cooperation between the two countries. "This is what we expect from all our partners. Let them hear us in relation to our needs, (...). We want them to listen to us, understand us and ask us questions when they have them," Traoré stated during a meeting with Ambassador Lockard.

Ambassador Lockard, in her remarks following the audience with Minister Traoré, emphasized that her mandate is to support Burkina Faso while fully respecting its sovereignty. She mentioned that her immediate focus is on understanding and conveying Burkina Faso’s expectations to Washington, expressing her eagerness to serve in a country she is familiar with from previous work experiences.

Minister Traoré also expressed a hope that other international partners would adopt an approach similar to that of the U.S., focusing on the realities on the ground in Burkina Faso rather than strictly adhering to their own principles.